Chemistry the Central Science: A Cultural Perspective

Dr. Bladon completed a BSc and PhD in Chemistry at the University of Glasgow and then undertook post-doctoral research at the University of Cambridge. She developed an interest in the peptide field whilst setting up and running the peptide synthesis laboratory at the MRC Brain Metabolism Unit in Edinburgh and subsequently developed several peptide-based projects during her independent research career at the Universities of Edinburgh and Kent. During these two positions she combined research with teaching and focused on the latter. For several years she worked part-time as a sessional university lecturer in London during which time she wrote Pharmaceutical Chemistry: Therapeutic Aspects of Biomacromolecules and obtained a PGCE. For the past 15 years she has taught Chemistry at secondary schools, the last seven years of which she was the Head of Chemistry at Harris Westminster Sixth Form. Her knowledge and skills as a research chemist, proven record of writing material for publication and an ability to explain difficult concepts to students gives her the ideal background to write this book.